Retired SC Trooper Kills Intruder at Bluffton Home

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By
Alicia Barnes

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) _ Investigators say a retired South Carolina trooper shot and killed a man who attacked him and forced his way into his home.

Beaufort County sheriff's deputies said 51-year-old William Wise was awakened by his dogs barking around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday and saw a man getting out of a truck and walking toward the former officer's Bluffton home.

Investigators say Wise warned 39-year old Paul Rowell he had a gun and fired a shot in the air when Rowell did not stop. Deputies say the two began fighting and Rowell forced his way into Wise's home and tried to take his gun.

Authorities say Wise shot Rowell several times. Deputies say Rowell may have followed a different man in the neighborhood home about 30 minutes before he was shot.